The Oakland Raiders participated in two more practices Sunday here at their training camp facilities located in Napa, Calif. The weather theme has remained constant, a beautiful afternoon filled with sun, preceded by an overcast, cool morning.
Sunday wrapped up Head Coach Tom Cable's intensive learning practices, the prologue to the long fought battle ahead that is training camp and many of the young players feel more comfortable in their roles. It is more than evident that the players are ready to finally put the pads on at Monday afternoon's practice.
Rookie DT Kellen Heard spoke about the new experience and challenges that training camp bring to a first year player. "It's a new experience, my body is just starting to get used to the workouts. But you just got to do everything they ask for. This is a dream come true," said Heard. He went on to talk about the importance of learning from the veterans around him. "I have two great players that play in front of me, John Henderson and Tommy Kelly, so it's a great experience to learn and play behind them," Heard explained.
Rookie FB Chane Moline spoke about the job competitions that go along with training camp. "Training camp is all about competition, there are a lot of fullbacks, and every position is going to be competing hard to make the squad, so I am just really excited to get the pads on," Moline said.
All in all, these players are ready to hit. FB Manase Tonga got an ear-to-ear smile when asked if he was looking forward to the first full contact practice. "That's the name of the game. It's kind of hard when you're just coming out here in helmets. Everybody's just flying around and you don't really get the full flow of things without the hitting. But I am, and I think this whole team, is ready to let loose," Tonga said excitedly.
The Raiders will be back on the field at their Napa Valley Training Complex for thier first full contact practice Monday as Training Camp 2010 continues.
